Joseph Edward Horan passed away on June 25, 2020 at Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter, Florida, after a valiant battle with various health issues. Joe led a life of hard, honest work and community activism. He was married for 68 years to the love of his life, Alice Fogelstrom Horan, and had three sons.

Joe was the next to youngest of six children born to William Horan and Helene Mahon Horan.  He was raised on a hard working family farm in East Norwich, Long Island, New York. Joe attended St. Dominick's High School, Oyster Bay. As a 6 foot 3 inch beanstalk freshman on the varsity basketball team, he was seen as the emerging talent for anticipated championships. With his natural talent for friendliness, a big smile, and his "gift of gab," he was voted class president for his junior and senior years. Joe met Alice while in high school at a party. After sharing one dance together, their love for another was immediate. Joe attended one semester at Delhi State College, New York but his studies were interrupted because he was needed back at the family farm.

Joe and Alice were married on February 9, 1952 at St. Gertrude's Church in Bayville, New York. They were blessed with three sons: Kevin Joseph, Stephen Patrick and James William, who they raised near the old family farm. Joe supported his family by working as a utility lineman at Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO.) He took Dale Carnegie courses to refine his natural speaking abilities, and was  promoted to manager for the customer relations department, where he remained as a district manager for 20 years. Even though Joe was busy raising a family, with full-time work and many other occupations on the side, including 21-years as a real estate broker, he found time to support his community. He gave time to the Rotary Club of Rosyln, Knights of Columbus of Oyster Bay, St. Dominick's Catholic Church, Nassau County Consumer Affairs Board, and the Democratic Party. He ran for public office, was a volunteer firefighter with East Norwich Fire Company, where he was also treasurer, and coached all of his sons' little league baseball teams. Joe served his country for eight years as a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve.

After 45 years of rewarding work with LILCO, Joe and Alice retired to Jupiter, Florida and quickly established a network of new friends. They enjoyed playing golf together, and having family and friends visit them. Joe was easily recognized at the golf course, smoking his signature large cigar as he teed off. Joe's kindness and big heart continued while in retirement and all the way up to his passing. He was generous to civic organizations that helped people struggling to get by. He also always took the time to talk to anyone in need of help due to alcohol addiction. Joe entertained (or tormented) listeners with his many stories of working on the family farm, of near death experiences as a utility lineman, and of his management style of solving customer complaints. Joe was vocal about the current state of politics. You knew exactly where he stood. He never wavered from his belief in supporting "the little guy" or those folks that worked hard yet fell through the cracks.

One of Joe's stories, especially relevant today, was about going to a party with a friend while still in high school.  When the host opened the door to greet them, she said come on in Joe, but your friend is not welcome. Joe yelled into the house for Alice to come on out, and said to the host if my friend Gene is not welcome, neither are we.

Joe's love for his wife Alice of 68 years was exemplified by being her caretaker as she courageously battles Parkinson's disease. Love knows no bounds. Joe's big personality, smile, storytelling, generosity and wry sense of humor will be missed by all. He leaves behind his adoring wife Alice Fogelstrom Horan, three sons, Kevin, Steve and Jimmy, sister Peggy Collins and multitudes of loving cousins.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Palm Beach National Chapel. Condolences may be left at https://www.palmbeachnationalchapel.com/guestbook/7056395

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